New prescription for mental health: read a good book

[HuckleB]

New prescription for mental health: read a good book

http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,6109,1386199,00.html

"Doctors usually send patients to the pharmacy to get medication, but from tomorrow GPs in one county will be packing people off to the library with prescriptions for self-help books.

Those with symptoms of depression, anxiety or eating disorders will be referred to clinics where they will be prescribed books to read alongside support sessions with graduate mental health care workers.

The scheme in Devon, which is the first of its kind in the UK, aims to cut waiting lists for more serious cases, reduce over-prescription of drugs and offer some form of treatment for patients who may otherwise receive none.

'This is needs driven,' said Paul Farrand, a senior lecturer in health psychology at Plymouth University, who developed the scheme. 'Nine out of 10 people with mild or moderate depression do not receive any treatment at all. Others are put on long waiting lists or are given medication that may be unnecessary.'

..."

----------

I hope they compare the books for results. It would be nice to know what to recommend.

[Dear Maggie]

1. Sounds good

Someone should also suggest a good inforational book on the effects of a common cleaning and degreaser chemical which can cause Central Nervous System depression.

If people avoid it or take more care in using it, they may prevent heading in the directions of the multiple cancers it causes. It's real, just ask the CFS, CFIDS & 'gulf war syndrome' groups. Or check for the compensating hemolytic anemia that is going on, & see how many are in prisons or have become divorced because of it.

[HuckleB]

2. Hmm.

Somehow, I just don't think that would help reduce depression or anxiety.

:)

[Dear Maggie]

3. This might help

Anyway, it is something that should be considered as a source of depression.

Today I was looking for sleep help for a gulf war vet

And in the process learned that a depression medication that is new on the market, also helps with sleep

[HuckleB]

4. Yes, low doses of Mirtazepine will definitely help with sleep.

And it does have a fairly low side effect profile. The big issue in regard to sleep is that some people don't metabolize it fast enough and sleep too much. Still, it can be worth a try for someone who's really struggling with sleep, as it's non-addictive (unlike benzos), and the effect doesn't wear off after a while (unlike with Ambien and its relatives). And it can offer some help with depression, if that's an issue, which it often is when insomnia is an issue. Doses for sleep should be 15 or 30 mg. Mirtazepine has the odd effect of becoming an energizing medication in higher doses, for many people, so it's used in lower doses for insomnia.

Best to you and your friend.

[Dear Maggie]

5. It is Central Nervous System sleep disorder - depression

Thank you for your comments

"sleep too much?"

Sleeping at all would be so welcome!

This gulf war vet, as with many harmed by the 2-butoxyethanol chemical, would mean that it is central nervous system damage causing the depression and the inability to sleep. (Chad says he doesn't sleep)

So, it would be long term use, but if it is effective without other side effects. It would be a godsend, literally.

On the other hand, maybe there are side effects, but they're not known. Anyway, these have had a lot of medications prescribed, and of course, they would hope to get well.

I wish there were a cure. Someone said they thought there was a cure, but it wasn't being brought forward (?)

The fatigue that would be 'hiding out' with this chemical's harm ... and the identifying marker is AIHA showing up as 'compensated hemoltyic anemia' most of the time. It is important to track the retic rate, but it is the immature red blood cells and blood in urine that may be the constant 'identifier'

[HuckleB]

6. Has he tried acupuncture?

I've known a number of people who've had great results for insomnia and pain from acupuncture treatment.

Just an idea.